Cody has been nominated as a Little Hero at the Daily Record Our Heroes Awards.

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The nine-year-old boxed eight bouts back-to-back and attracted enough support to fill an entire ring with toys, he cycled 58km to raise money to buy 64 new bikes and is taking on a triathlon to give youngsters living in poverty a reason to smile.

The pupil at Edinburgh’s Duddingston Primary School, who has been boxing since he was five, has so far raised £18,500 to help 600 children in his local community.

Mum Denise, from Edinburgh, said: “Cody is such a great wee boy and he’s always thinking of others.

“He felt so sad when his friend told him about his situation and said right away that he wanted to help.

“I told him there were boys and girls all over the world who experience the same thing – not everyone gets presents.

“Cody remembered that some of the older boxers at his club had fought to raise money and asked if he could do the same thing – but for toys.

“That’s when he came up with the idea of filling a whole boxing ring with presents that could be donated to those less fortunate.”

Cody also saw last year that a school friend felt embarrassed when he had to tell the teacher he didn’t have a bike for their cycling proficiency course.

He decided to help his friend and other disadvantaged children by launching another appeal.

Cody wrote letters asking companies for support and pedalled 58km from the Falkirk Wheel to Edinburgh –raising enough money to buy 64 new bikes and helmets for families facing hard times.

Denise said: “We’re so proud of everything Cody has achieved. He puts himself through so much just to help others. It was another huge challenge for such a little lad, but he was determined to do it.

“People heard about his campaign through social media and I had people turning up at my door donating gifts. It was just incredible.

“We contacted and delivered the toys and bikes to local schools, Children 1st, early years centres, KINSHIP and HomeLink – all working with families on the front line and aware of the children that genuinely need help.”

Now Cody is gearing up for another fundraising initiative.

He’s decided to challenge himself with a triathlon and will once again ask for donations of toys and gifts.

Denise added: “This was all possible because a little boy with a big heart decided to help not only his two friends, but other children he would never meet.

“He is a kind, compassionate, selfless child who in his own way has changed the lives of so many.”

Cody Mcmanus with mum Denise.

Cody’s big heart is the reason he’s been nominated as a Little Hero at the Daily Record Our Heroes awards, sponsored by Utilita Energy.

“His charity challenges have made a huge impact on others, having changed many children’s perspective. He’s already our very own little hero.”

Jem Maidment, director of marketing and communications at Utilita Energy, said: “Utilita are immensely proud and honoured to be the title sponsor of this fantastic event for the second year running.

“It shines a light on Scotland’s unsung heroes – every story we heard last year was inspirational, every single one deserved all the recognition, praise and gratitude they received.

“We look forward to hearing even more inspiring stories from communities across the country in the coming months.”

Cody’s hard work and dedication has been praised by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who invited him to lunch.

Cody with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

He was also honoured at Westminster with a British Citizen Youth Award medal.

Denise added: “We never imagined Cody would get so much recognition for what he does. He just takes it all in his stride and I don’t think he’s got any plans to stop fundraising now.

“We’ve had so many lovely comments from parents saying we have helped put a smile son their child’s face – that’s what keeps Cody going – knowing he is making a ­difference to the lives of those who need it most.

“By engaging children at his school, football and boxing, he has raised awareness that sadly many children in our country do live in poverty.

“Cody’s charity campaigns have become a huge community initiative with everyone committed to helping as many families as possible.”

As always it’s the ordinary people with their amazing stories who are the real stars of Our Heroes awards and we want you to tell us about all those you think deserve recognition.

It could be a hero doctor, a nurse, or a cheery bus driver – just someone who makes a real difference.

We also want to know about Scots who have shown unusual courage.

They might be in the armed forces or the emergency services – they could be your home help or hairdresser – as long as they are a hero to you we want to know about them.